Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 22 - Give It Some Thought - Page 700: 2

Answer

The formation of Earth began about 4.6 billion years ago through accretion and collisions of dust, gas, and planetesimals within the solar nebula. Over time, the growing mass of Earth experienced heating from radioactive decay and gravitational compression, leading to the separation of materials into layers. The core formed from the densest metallic materials, surrounded by the mantle composed of semi-solid rock, and the outermost crust, which initially consisted of molten rock due to intense heat. The process of cooling and solidification of the crust resulted in the formation of the earliest rocks. As Earth continued to cool, water vapor and gases released from volcanic activity eventually formed the primordial atmosphere.

Work Step by Step

Refer to the answer above.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.